That old devil called timing belt....
Discussion
I feel the need (cos I'm that kind of masochist) to climb in there and do the deed with belt and sprockets. OK, so sprockets are for chains, but you get my gist.
Now I have searched the archives, had a Google and generally ransacked the internet, and I am struggling to find pertinent info, to wit: is there a recommended procedure, and how can I be sure I get the belt tension correct without resorting to second mortgage and Lotus dealer?
I am not without some competence in the spanners department (that's 'wrenches' for our transAtlantic brethren
) and can hypothesise how it might be effected, yet references to Burroughs gauges, Krikets and so on all lead to the internet equivalent of a deathly silence when I try to find UK suppliers of said equipment. I have read the Kriket (sp) makers' website that suggests their gauge is not suitable for timing belts anyway, but I guess any port in a storm will do.
Suppose I could resort to the old 'twist of the wrist' that has sufficed on an assortment of other cars over the years, then wait with bated breath every time I poke the pedal.
I keep trying to score a set of service notes from Ebay, but am repeatedly beaten to it by the swifter of mouse-finger/ pecuniarily potent people out there.
Not wishing to stir up a hornets' nest: any UK PHers got any ideas?
Car is an '84 S3, incidentally.
Ian
Now I have searched the archives, had a Google and generally ransacked the internet, and I am struggling to find pertinent info, to wit: is there a recommended procedure, and how can I be sure I get the belt tension correct without resorting to second mortgage and Lotus dealer?
I am not without some competence in the spanners department (that's 'wrenches' for our transAtlantic brethren
) and can hypothesise how it might be effected, yet references to Burroughs gauges, Krikets and so on all lead to the internet equivalent of a deathly silence when I try to find UK suppliers of said equipment. I have read the Kriket (sp) makers' website that suggests their gauge is not suitable for timing belts anyway, but I guess any port in a storm will do. Suppose I could resort to the old 'twist of the wrist' that has sufficed on an assortment of other cars over the years, then wait with bated breath every time I poke the pedal.
I keep trying to score a set of service notes from Ebay, but am repeatedly beaten to it by the swifter of mouse-finger/ pecuniarily potent people out there.
Not wishing to stir up a hornets' nest: any UK PHers got any ideas?
Car is an '84 S3, incidentally.
Ian
Hi Ian... DO NOT hold me to this but I have been told by a former Lotus tech that there shold be (and I quote) " the appearence of tightness, but not too tight"... what ever that means. I love these people that God actually intended to work on cars. They have a "way" about them that can not be learned! I took it to mean that you should be able to press the belt and feel a slight give. HOWEVER!!! (I stress this) This type of knowledge seems very hard to pass on. I'm not sure that I would go by this answer myself...
I do have the correct torque spec for the tensioner here someplace (if I can find it)... If I do I'll post it up.
Drive topless!!!
Cameron
Ian,
The entire procedure is detailed in the FAQ section. I have performed this service more than a dozen times following this procedure with no problems.
Something to consider is replacing all 'V' belts, the Front Seal and as required, the vacuum pump as it will never be easier than when you have the timing belt off.
Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns. Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE
The entire procedure is detailed in the FAQ section. I have performed this service more than a dozen times following this procedure with no problems.
Something to consider is replacing all 'V' belts, the Front Seal and as required, the vacuum pump as it will never be easier than when you have the timing belt off.
Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns. Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE
I have tried, unsuccessfully, to find a Kriket or Borroughs gauge in the UK.
I will be changing the belt this summer, as mine was last done in August 2002.
I would rather do it myself, but I must admit being a bit apprehensive, given the lack of accessibility and the potential for catastrophe.....
I have a copy of the Service Notes. The last time I looked at the relevant section I remember being less than impressed with the description. The instructions that have previously been posted here seem much easier to follow....
I will be changing the belt this summer, as mine was last done in August 2002.
I would rather do it myself, but I must admit being a bit apprehensive, given the lack of accessibility and the potential for catastrophe.....
I have a copy of the Service Notes. The last time I looked at the relevant section I remember being less than impressed with the description. The instructions that have previously been posted here seem much easier to follow....
Ah, so more or less like every other OHC engine then
My belt has oil on it, I presume from one or both of the cam seals (though the crank seal could be a possibility as well). On balance I think it may be easier to get the car through its MOT and then pull the engine out and fix everything I can find wrong with it. This is pretty much what I did with the TVR and has undoubtedly saved me work in the long run.
That way the timing belt should be a doddle....
Ian
My belt has oil on it, I presume from one or both of the cam seals (though the crank seal could be a possibility as well). On balance I think it may be easier to get the car through its MOT and then pull the engine out and fix everything I can find wrong with it. This is pretty much what I did with the TVR and has undoubtedly saved me work in the long run.
That way the timing belt should be a doddle....
Ian
Got hold of a Kricket Gauge in the UK without too much hassle but had to supply local motorfactor the correct part number. Most grages can get Gates belts direct and should also be able to get the gauge.
(Prod.No 7401-00071) (european part number)
link to Gates web site (bit crappy btw)
www.gates.com/europe/brochure.cfm?brochure=2505&location_id=2976
Del
S4s 95
(Prod.No 7401-00071) (european part number)
link to Gates web site (bit crappy btw)
www.gates.com/europe/brochure.cfm?brochure=2505&location_id=2976
Del
S4s 95
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